My Position Was Rescinded...Now What?

Students all over the country have been looking forward to a summer of enriching experiences and professional development. Until a few months ago, many college students and soon-to-be graduates prepared themselves to enter the workforce and start their careers. The far reaching effects of the global pandemic have since affected many of them in a way they couldn’t have predicted: the loss of their job and internships. 

This is a hard pill to swallow, especially when you’re counting on this as your chance to gain valuable experience and to learn more about the field you want to pursue. While some in this scenario may feel hopeless, there are still several things you can do to improve your professionalism and set yourself up for the future. 

To help you navigate these challenges and set you up for future career success, we’ve talked to industry professionals and top corporate recruiters and have gathered the five most impactful recommendations on how to proceed after a job or internship loss. Read on to see what they have to say:

1. Keep In Touch With The Company

Be clear on the parameters of the status of your position. Is it completely gone, or just on hold for the moment? If so, keep in touch with the recruiter. If this were a company you were ecstatic about, stay on their radar and keep a running relationship with your contact there. Reach out to  them every few weeks about the position status, and keep your name in front of them in the event an opportunity comes up. 

Libby Galatis, a Campus Recruiting Manager at memoryBlue acknowledges the fluidity your career path may need to take: “As you continue your search, be transparent and communicative with your recruiters and let them know that you want to be considered for future opportunities when they arise. Connect with them on LinkedIn and take note to stay in touch. The average college graduate changes jobs multiple times before landing in their ideal role!”

She notes that “while it is a unique time, there’s nothing unique about having to learn how to be flexible and agile in your career – think of this as a way to learn valuable skills in navigating through any potential economic changes. This likely won’t be the first and only time you’ll experience this in your career.”

2. Network, Network, Network!

If your position was canceled completely, this is a great time to take a look at what else is out there. First, make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and showcases your strength and experience well. In terms of whom to contact, target companies of interest and reach out to managers and recruiters there. Remember to contact them with a purpose, and not to send them a generic LinkedIn message that will blend in with the rest of them. 

Additionally, use your personal resources. Parents and family friends are valuable assets that may have connections you never knew about. Make sure to reach out and see if anyone knows of any positions that might be of interest to you. 

Brian Collins, a widely respected professor of practice and Director of the Sales Center at Virginia Tech, has helped advise his students over the years on how to use their networks to their advantage. When asked about how students should use their networks during times of an economic downturn, he offered this advice:  

“Rely on who you know more than ever. Ask your parents for contacts. Reach out to neighbors who may work at a target company. Use old summer jobs as a start for connections - the club where you were a lifeguard or job where you were a server has numerous people who probably know of jobs that are not listed on sites. Ask for referrals from them and get them to walk your resume into HR. Avoid the online applications if at all possible.”

And don't forget, Hokies love to hire Hokies. Reach out to alumni as well and let them know you are available for work. 

3. Educate Yourself

If a job isn’t the answer for you at this time, that’s okay! There are many ways to continue to enrich your life that isn’t work experience. Seek out online resources to learn a new skill. Teach yourself a coding language, learn more about investing, take a free course in photoshop! There are so many resources out there, even if it is as simple as reading a new book. Consider continuing your education if you have graduated and want to pursue a higher degree. Take this time to study for the GRE, LSAT, or MCAT. 

Caitlin Deltgen, a top campus recruiter for Gartner, Inc. offers this advice: “During such uncertain times, it is so easy to be frustrated and confused. The one thing we can control is our mindset and how we are taking advantage of resources. It is crucial to use this time to develop your skills, both professional and personal, and put your best foot forward. You never know who you might network with over the summer. You could meet your dream career, company, mentor, or next colleague and wouldn’t even know it. Take the risk. Take the chance. I promise you won’t regret it!”

Companies like Gartner have also stepped up to offer valuable career development opportunities for students such as their summer webinar series and networking events that are available to college students for free.

There is a never-ending supply of learning opportunities out there, you just have to find the one that supports your end goal the most. 

4. Look at Expanding Industries

Many industries are cutting back to save costs, but it may surprise you how many are at an advantage right now. Amazon, for example, is in an industry that is thriving right now due to the increased demand for online purchases and home deliveries. Think of the companies that may have an upper hand due to the state of the world and seek out opportunities there. 

Certain career tracks also tend to be more insulated than others during challenging economic times. For instance, accounting as well as professional sales positions are often the last to be eliminated by companies and are always in demand even during a down economy. 

Make yourself more marketable by expanding your skill set to include taking courses and electives in these areas. Virginia Tech has a robust offering of business courses including a professional sales program that can help you develop valuable career skills (think presentation and negotiation skills) as well as introduce you to various career opportunities within in-demand industries. 

5. Stay Positive

Don’t forget, be kind and patient with yourself. Securing a job is not easy, let alone during a pandemic. It is going to be overwhelming, you are going to get frustrated at some point, and that's okay. Take a break, workout, play a game, and then come back to your search. The right job will come to you eventually, and until then, stay patient and keep your chin up. 

Monica Hillison, an 18-year marketing veteran and now digital marketing professor in VT’s Pamplin College of Business had a similar experience after graduating and has this advice to share:

“In times like these I tell my students who are on the market for a job or internship to just be persistent and think of creative ways to uncover opportunities beyond the traditional online search or job fair. I went on the job market right after 9/11 when the market had also come to a near complete halt, and it was scary and often frustrating. But not giving up was the key. The jobs are out there - trust in your education and the experiences you’ve worked so hard to build, and just keep hitting the pavement. Someone who stays positive and takes initiative will always come out on top.”

Next Steps

While it might be tough navigating a job market in times where the future is uncertain, there are always ways to give yourself a leg up in the future. Make sure to keep an eye out for career fairs and opportunities that might help you grow and expand your network. Virginia Tech’s Business Horizons and Sales Industry Day are coming up in the fall, which can provide a wealth of opportunities for students who are looking to meet new people in the industry and discover which companies are planning on hiring. 

Remember to be open to all new opportunities and continue to find ways to get your name out there, you never know what it could lead to.